A Historic Appointment
On November 20, Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Jessica Tisch as the new Commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), the largest police force in the country. Tisch, who has dedicated 17 years to public service, expressed her honor and readiness to take on this monumental role. During an exclusive sit-down interview with LittleAfrica News and New York Voice News after Mayor Adams’ press conference announcing her appointment, Tisch said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime,” adding that she is eager to “roll up [her] sleeves and get to work.”
Extensive Experience at NYPD
Tisch’s career in public service began at the NYPD, where she served for over a decade. Starting as an intelligence analyst, she rose through the ranks to become Deputy Commissioner of IT, overseeing the department’s critical 911 operations. “The 911 call takers and dispatchers truly do God’s work,” Tisch said, reflecting on her time managing one of the city’s most vital services. Her role helped her develop a deep understanding of operational challenges and the importance of technological innovation in public safety.
Leadership During the Pandemic
Following her tenure at the NYPD, Tisch transitioned to become the city’s Chief Information Officer, leading the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her interview, she described the unique challenges of this role: “Everything had to go online as soon as I started.” Under her leadership, the city launched a vaccination platform, distributed 500,000 iPads to public school students, and created the tech infrastructure for the Get Food program, which provided millions of meals to New Yorkers. Tisch’s ability to lead during crises earned her a reputation as an innovative and effective public servant.
Transformative Work in Sanitation
Most recently, Tisch served as the Commissioner of the Sanitation Department, where she implemented transformative initiatives. These included universal curbside composting, containerized trash collection, and aggressive efforts to combat New York’s rat problem. “I’m going to miss the sanitation department,” Tisch admitted, but she emphasized her excitement for the challenges ahead, noting that her experience there would inform her priorities as NYPD Commissioner.
Vision for the NYPD
As Tisch assumes leadership of the NYPD, her top priorities include reducing crime, enhancing public perceptions of safety, and improving the city’s quality of life. “The mission is to keep New Yorkers safe and importantly to make them feel safe,” she emphasized. With crime reportedly declining over the past 10 months, Tisch stressed the importance of ensuring residents feel the impact of these improvements. Mayor Adams bolstered her efforts by announcing the addition of 1,600 police officers to the NYPD, which Tisch described as an “unbelievable” resource to further enhance public safety.
Leveraging Technology and Enhancing Quality of Life
In her interview, Tisch also highlighted the role of technology in modern policing. “The mayor has been talking a lot about technology, and we have tools like drones that can help us expand our capabilities,” she said. However, Tisch made it clear that her vision extends beyond technology. Drawing from her experience at the Sanitation Department, she emphasized the importance of quality-of-life initiatives, which include restoring dignity and order to the city’s streets. “Improving quality of life is near and dear to my heart,” Tisch said, outlining her commitment to addressing concerns in every neighborhood and borough.
Looking Ahead
Tisch’s appointment comes at a critical time for the NYPD, often regarded as the world’s most prominent police force. Her extensive experience in public service, combined with her innovative approach to problem-solving, positions her as a capable leader. Tisch acknowledged the immense trust placed in her by Mayor Adams and the people of New York City. “The mayor has placed a huge amount of trust in me. It’s a big assignment, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” she said confidently.
In addition to addressing crime and safety, Tisch emphasized the importance of community trust in the NYPD. “New Yorkers now need to see and feel that crime is down,” she stated, adding that transparency and accountability will be central to her leadership. She also highlighted the need to ensure equitable policing, pledging to serve all communities with fairness and respect.
As Tisch prepares to begin her new role, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city she has dedicated her career to. “It’s an unbelievable day for me,” she said. “I look forward to working with the incredible men and women of the NYPD to keep New Yorkers safe and to improve the quality of life in our great city.”
Jessica Tisch’s appointment marks a new chapter for the NYPD and the city of New York. Her track record of success, combined with her focus on safety, innovation, and quality of life, offers hope for meaningful progress. New Yorkers can look forward to a tenure characterized by resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to public service.
